I try very hard to be aware of pedestrians and stop for them in crosswalks, particularly since it's a $500+ fine if you get caught not stopping, lol. I even stop if you're not in a crosswalk. I try to apply how I feel as a pedestrian to how I treat pedestrians when I'm driving, and it's what we teach our kids when they're learning to drive.
But by gum, the few times I haven't stopped for those just starting to cross a street, or whatever, who are not in a crosswalk, because it's pretty clear I have time to move through, don't fecking flip me the bird or yell at me or give me the stinkeye. YOU are not in a crosswalk - technically, I don't have to stop. The right of way is mine and if it is safe for me to move through, then I will. The aforementioned behavior sometimes has me fantasizing about throwing it in reverse...(just a brief thought, not something I'd ever put into practice).
And, as someone else says, a pedestrian should be completely aware of traffic stopping - it's what I make sure of when I have to cross. I feel part of the responsibility is as much on my shoulders as it is on the shoulders as it is on the part of a driver. It's what we've taught our kids/nieces/nephews - yes, in a crosswalk, the right of way technically belongs to you, but it behooves you to make eye contact with the drivers, and to cross safely and with a promptness. Don't drag it along. It's rude. If you're going to attempt to cross without a crosswalk, don't expect to have people wanting to stop for you if you do - it's very nice when they do but really, if you're jaywalking, you're in the wrong here and you're taking responsibility for putting yourself in the hospital or in a casket if you jaywalk. It as much behooves you not to be an arsebite as it behooves a driver not to be an arsebite.
|